Can you believe another school year has almost come and gone? We are incredibly proud of all our students’ accomplishments this year, despite the circumstances see our students continue to blossom.

Over the next few weeks, we want to take the time to recognize each of our graduates but most importantly we want to say CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2020! You did it. You’ve completed a huge milestone in your life, and we are so incredibly proud of you.

We wish we could celebrate in person, but for now we want to take the time to applaud and acknowledge each and every one of you. You have big and bright futures ahead of you!

~ Matt Wiley, Employment / Vocational Specialist

Tori

Tori has made strides since starting at NFSSE and we know she will take on anything life throws her way! Our staff had a few words to share about Tori:

“I love her untamed wild spirit when it comes to the art-making process she is energetic, expressive and extremely colorful in all that she does!” – Jill Morrow, Art with Soul Manager

“Tori loves a challenge. She is a strong and capable young lady.” – Christine Thomas, Transition Teacher

“Ever the social butterfly, Tori’s colorful personality is her signature. May she soar in all she does!” -Dawn Thomas, Transition Teacher

“I would like to thank Tori who matured into a highly capable worker at my job sites. She always showed willingness to help above and beyond her regular job responsibilities.” -Ingrid Fabianova, Employment Specialist

“Tori is a natural performer. She has participated in so many group performances through Drama club, Ballroom dancing club, and many more. To list them all would be impossible! One of my favorites was watching Tori perform an impromptu karaoke session with several of her friends in the Bolles Buddies club singing one of their favorites “Baby” by Justin Bieber.” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Tori. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Alek

Alek is a force to be reckoned with. He has a bright future ahead of him, and we know he will do it with a big smile on his face! Our staff had a few words to share about Alek:

“Alek is bright and thoughtful. His laughter and smile are infectious.” – Christine Thomas, Transition Teacher

“Alek has a personality that lights up the room. He almost always has something funny to say to his friends to make them laugh. Alek wowed the audience at NFSSE’s Got Talent this year and was awarded the winner from the Transition students. His confidence was on display for all to see as he performed his dance routine and had the whole audience clapping and dancing along with him!” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE Alek. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Davon

We can’t wait to see all the lives you will touch and how many people you will make smile with your loving nature and ability to help others. Our staff had a few words to share about Davon:

“Davon is a friend to everyone he meets. Even in his first year at our school, he quickly joined the transition students and immediately began making friends. One memory that sticks out to me the most is singing Christmas carols around the fireplace at Josh and Nathan’s birthday party in December 2019. I remember looking over at Davon singing “Feliz Navidad” at the top of his lungs! He was even louder than I was! Also, he is the official “Cha Cha Cha” singer whenever we sing happy birthday!” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“I remember meeting Davon at the open house for new transition students. His smile was forever! He was so excited about be in art class. He became one of the best Jag bag makers! His colors and designs were always spot on! I loved his exuberance about the creative process!” – Jill Morrow, Art with Soul Manager

“Davon volunteered to help every day. He enjoyed participating in cooking activities in the Transition kitchen.” – Christine Thomas, Transition Teacher

“Davon has a smile for miles. He is a fantastic helper and volunteer, both in class and on jobs!” – Dawn Thomas, Transition Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Davon. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Tamari

You have accomplished so much in your many years at NFSSE and we can’t wait for you to come back and tell us about the success you find in your future. Our staff had a few words to share about Tamari:

“Tamari has done an excellent job at all his job sites. He takes initiative and has an interest in how the job coaches explain the task. He is also a great friend to his peers and has great respect and proper manners for everyone he meets. I am excited for Tamari and the future he has as not only a worker but as a leader. I am honored to have a student like Tamari with me. I wish him and his family well on his future endeavors.” – Kiki Examond, Employment Specialist

“Tamari is one of those guys who has a real effortless coolness to him, mixed with a genuine humility. One thing that defines Tamari is his strong faith in God. I remember when we had the opportunity to perform at his church, Impact Church. He was filled with pride as he relentlessly worshipped with his classmates and helped lead the entire congregation.” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“Tamari Reynolds is always willing to help. He is well liked by his peers and staff.” – Christine Thomas, Transition Teacher

“Tamari is a super class volunteer. He is a reliable worker and always willing to lend a helping hand!” – Dawn Thomas, Transition Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Tamari. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Claire

We look forward to seeing where your hard work, and kind heart will take you in the future, as you will be missed at NFSSE. We are excited to hear about how you will use the tools you gained in Project Search. Our staff had a few words to share about Claire:

“Claire was one of the first students I ever taught at NFSSE and she was in the first ever music club with Mr. Sontag. She helped write “I Love My School”. When I first met her, she was soft spoken and gentle, but over the years, she has grown into a confident young lady with a contagious smile!” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“Claire is a cool, steady, welcomed breeze on a very hot day! Her sense of calm and collected intention is the foundation of her amazing use of pattern and color.” – Jill Morrow, Art with Soul Manager

“Claire’s never-give-up approach has allowed her to try so many new things. Her hard work will take her far!” – Dawn Thomas, Transition Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Claire. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Josh

Your infectious laughter and sense of humor will be missed at NFSSE! We can’t wait to see you put your Project Search skills to work and hear about all your successes in the future. Our staff had a few words to share about Josh:

“I’ve never met anyone as polite and respectful as Josh. That being said, I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone who can make his friends laugh harder either. Josh holds himself with dignity and respect and shares his faith in God with the world in so many ways. One of my favorite memories of Josh was when he performed “I Can Only Imagine” at the Night of the Arts. When I looked out into the audience, I saw everyone standing with their hands raised worshipping with Josh. It brought tears to my eyes to see how his strong faith and heart of service inspired so many around him to feel the love of God.” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“I would like to give a shout out to Josh Sweetman, who was the most conscientious student at my job sites. He was always ready to learn, and always generous with his positive attitude.” – Ingrid Fabianova, Employment Specialist

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Josh. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Naomi

You have come so far since starting at NFSSE and we can’t wait to see you continue to blossom in your future. Our staff had a few words to say about Naomi:

“I would like to thank Naomi for being a very serious, focused and respectful worker at each of my job sites. She always paid attention and followed directions impeccably.” – Ingrid Fabianova, Employment Specialist

“Naomi is such a great friend to everyone she meets. She was one of the first members of the Spartan Scene Drama Club which helped build friendships with students at St. Johns Country Day School through performing arts. Her personality shines when she is in a social setting!” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“Naomi is determined young lady. When she puts her mind to it, she can accomplish anything!” – Dawn Thomas, Transition Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Naomi. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Patrick

You have been a consistent helping hand around NFSSE and you will be missed! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Our staff had a few words to share about Patrick:

“Patrick has such a kind heart, and such a great memory when it comes to remembering details about his friends. One day in the Barkin’ Biscuits kitchen, I walked in and sang a little tune “BARKINNNNNN BISCUITTTTS!” And he got such a kick out of it that he asked me every time I came in to sing it. And every time he would let out a little chuckle and continue with his work. Sometimes in life it’s the little things that bring us joy, like our little Barkin’ Biscuits song!” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“Patrick is a good student. He often asks his peers about their job sites.” – Christine Thomas, Transition Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Patrick. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

Ashley

We can’t wait to see what an impact you will have on the world! You are so sweet and kind to those around you at NFSSE and we can’t even begin to imagine the impact you will have on the community. Our staff had a few words to share about Ashley:

“Smiles all the time as she quietly creates gorgeous colorful patchworks of love.” – Jill Morrow, Art with Soul Manager

“When I first met Ashley, I thought she was very shy, but once I got to know her, she surprised me with her fun and playful attitude. At school, she takes her work very seriously and is careful not to act inappropriately, but when it is time to have fun, she holds nothing back! I remember seeing her at prom last year tearing up the dance floor. She was the life of the party, and never stopped dancing the whole night!” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“Ashley is a loyal friend with a huge heart. She writes the best letters, notes and cards for others!” – Dawn Thomas, Transition Teacher

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, Ashley. Way to go! It only goes up from here.

CJ

We will miss your fashionable outfits on campus and your infectious smile! We can’t wait to see what your future holds. Our staff had a few words to share about CJ:

“CJ is one of the kindest and most welcoming people I’ve ever met. Over the years, she has developed very meaningful friendships with her classmates. She shows a genuine interest in others and is constantly expressing her concern and compassion for others. She LOVES to get dressed up, especially for prom and Night to Shine, and when she does, she looks stunning. I know it is the highlight of the year because she talks about it for weeks before and after!” – Ciaran Sontag, Music Teacher

“My favorite memory of CJ is doing the angel of the woods photo shoot with her. she was stunning — truly a princess of the forest! I love that she is always smiling and always willing to make something beautiful in art class!” – Jill Morrow, Art with Soul Manager

“CJ always has a smile on her face. CJ is a good listener and has great style.” – Christine Thomas, Transition Teacher

“CJ is willing to try her best in all situations. Her positive attitude and beautiful smile encourage everyone around her to do the same!” – Dawn Thomas, Transition Teacher

“A special shout out to CJ, who has blossomed into a wonderful, sociable young lady, reminding all of us what an amazing potential our students have. After attending the Dance Club for a couple of years, she is now an accomplished dancer.” – Ingrid Fabianova, Employment Specialist

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at NFSSE, CJ. Way to go! It only goes up from here.